Deborah Levy's Paris Novel: A Gripping Gertrude Stein Vision 2026

Deborah Levy's latest novel, My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein, offers a gripping vision of a fearless writer. This audiobook review delves into Levy's ninth novel, a blend of fiction and biography that explores the life of Gertrude Stein through the eyes of an unnamed British author living in Paris.

A Unique Blend of Fiction and Biography

Set in late 2024, the novel follows an unnamed British author in Paris attempting to write an essay on Gertrude Stein, the modernist writer and art collector. Distractions abound, including her friend Eva's lost cat, whose name is 'it' in lower case, leading to confusion. Levy masterfully weaves together the narrator's present-day struggles with Stein's historical legacy.

The Fearless Gertrude Stein

Stein, born in Pennsylvania, was a pioneering figure in modernist literature. Painted by Picasso and a friend of Hemingway, she wrote stream-of-consciousness prose long before James Joyce's Ulysses. Commercial success eluded her until her 60s with The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, a biography of her partner. The narrator admires Stein's work but is sometimes exasperated by it, noting, 'Sometimes, when I read her baffling and beguiling writing I want to smack it in the chops.'

Narration and Style

Voice actor Kristin Atherton delivers a cool, precise, and perfectly paced narration. Her performance enhances Levy's lyrical prose, making the audiobook a captivating listen. The narrative takes us to Père Lachaise cemetery in search of Stein's grave, reflecting on literary luminaries and personal friendships.

Key Takeaways

• Genre-blending: A seamless mix of fiction and biography.
• Historical insight: Offers a fresh perspective on Gertrude Stein's life and work.
• Narration: Kristin Atherton's cool and precise delivery.
• Themes: Explores creativity, friendship, and the writing process.

Comparison with Other Literary Audiobooks

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